Collectibles.

Wwii Souvenir Pillows Have Sentimental Value

June 19, 1994|By Ralph and Terry Kovel, King Features Syndicate.

Q-I just found two old pillows my mother owned. They were probably gifts from my father during World War II. The pillows are made of satin-like fabric printed with pictures of soldiers, a verse for "My Sweetheart" and an eagle. The edge of the pillow is made of long yellow fringe. Are the pillows collectibles?

A-There are collectors of war souvenirs and collectors of fabrics. Both groups would be interested in your pillows.

Because your pillows are only 50 years old, they can still be found at the flea markets. They sell for about $25. Keep your pillows. Your family will want them in the years to come.

Q-I have a set of eight blue-and-white plates that picture Ivanhoe in the center. They are marked "Ivanhoe, Wedgwood, Etruria, England."

A-"Ivanhoe" is a famous novel by Sir Walter Scott. The plates were made about 1901 by the company of Josiah Wedgwood of England. Each plate had a scene from the book, plus a border of fish, fowl and rabbits. The plates were part of a dinner set. It included soup plates, platters and pitchers. Today, a single 10-inch Ivanhoe plate sells for $50.

Q-I just gave my granddaughter a doll marked "Alexander" on the back of the head. It was given to me in the 1920s. The doll has curly red hair that can be washed. The head is made of a composition material with a fuzzy-like finish. The body is made of cloth. I am told that the Madame Alexander dolls are not made this way.

A-Madame Alexander dolls like yours are not often seen. They were made at the end of the 1920s. The wig is a dyed piece of hide taken from a young sheep. The popularity of the Madame Alexander dolls and the rarity of examples like yours make it worth more than $500.

Q-I collect "Smokey Bear" memorabilia. What should I look for?

A-Smokey was first used as a symbol on posters 50 years ago. When a real bear cub was found after a 1950 fire, it was named Smokey Bear and became a living symbol of forest-fire prevention. Posters and ads picturing Smokey were the first collectibles. Almost every sort of souvenir can be found, including stuffed toys, dishes, pins, purses and even bibs.

Q-I have a cast-iron, horse-drawn wagon toy. On the side of the wagon are the words "Coca-Cola." How old is it?

A-Experts say there are no known old, original Coca-Cola cast-iron toys. Several different horse-drawn wagons and trucks have been made of cast iron. They are usually of poor quality and were made in Taiwan or other places in the Orient after 1975.

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The Kovels welcome letters and answer as many as possible through the column.